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Myrtle Beach Int'l Airport lands new Canadian carrier

Published: Monday, February 11, 2013 at 10:18 a.m.

Last Modified: Monday, February 11, 2013 at 10:18 a.m.

A new airline is coming to Myrtle Beach International Airport, and this one is from north of the border.

WestJet, Canada's second biggest airline, plans to start twice-weekly service between the Grand Strand and Toronto, Canada's biggest city.

The service will be operated with Boeing 737s and start May 2. Advanced reservations show one-way fares going for around $168.

“Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular destinations for Canadian vacationers, with more than 90 kilometres of picturesque beaches, world-class golf and warm southern hospitality,” stated Chris Avery, a WestJet vice president, in a release.

WestJet's announcement is a much-needed shot in the arm for the Myrtle Beach airport, which has seen a sharp dip in passenger numbers since Direct Air ceased operations in May 2012.

Calgary, Alberta-based WestJet is loosely based on the low-frills model pioneered by Southwest Airlines.

WestJet is the second airline to offer service between Myrtle Beach and Toronto.

Porter Airlines offers seasonal service to Toronto's small downtown airport.

WestJet will serve Toronto's much larger Pearson International Airport, where the carrier operates numerous flights.

Myrtle Beach International Airport is about 75 miles south of downtown Wilmington.

<p>A new airline is coming to Myrtle Beach International Airport, and this one is from north of the border.</p><p>WestJet, Canada's second biggest airline, plans to start twice-weekly service between the Grand Strand and Toronto, Canada's biggest city.</p><p>The service will be operated with Boeing 737s and start May 2. Advanced reservations show one-way fares going for around $168.</p><p>“Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular destinations for Canadian vacationers, with more than 90 kilometres of picturesque beaches, world-class golf and warm southern hospitality,” stated Chris Avery, a WestJet vice president, in a release.</p><p>WestJet's announcement is a much-needed shot in the arm for the Myrtle Beach airport, which has seen a sharp dip in passenger numbers since Direct Air ceased operations in May 2012.</p><p>Calgary, Alberta-based WestJet is loosely based on the low-frills model pioneered by Southwest Airlines.</p><p>WestJet is the second airline to offer service between Myrtle Beach and Toronto.</p><p>Porter Airlines offers seasonal service to Toronto's small downtown airport.</p><p>WestJet will serve Toronto's much larger Pearson International Airport, where the carrier operates numerous flights.</p><p>Myrtle Beach International Airport is about 75 miles south of downtown Wilmington.</p>